A rooftop PV system is made up several components each of which have their own performance parameters. We provide a list of the prominent warranties and certifications for each component in the table below.

Warranties

Certifications

Solar Panels

Modules are typically warranted against manufacturing defects for a period of 5 years. In addition, their power output is also warranted

0-10 years for 90% of the rated output power

10-25 years for 80% of the rated output power

This means that a 200 Wp panel will generate as much power as a 180 Wp panel in 10 years’ time (90%) and 160 Wp panel in 25 years’ time (80%).Note: It is normal for solar panels to lose some of their generating power over time (about 0.5% a year). This is known as degradation.

The crystalline PV module (which are predominantly used in rooftops over thin-film modules) should be certified to comply with

Expected lifetime of rooftop PV plant components

Rooftop PV plants have no moving parts and therefore don’t suffer from wear and tear, making them extremely reliable. The expected lifetime for the major components in your rooftop solar PV system is given below

PV modules – These should last 25 years, or even longer

Inverter – This is the only major component in the rooftop plant that will require replacement during the lifetime of the plant. Typical life is 5-10 years

Mounting structures – These should last the full 25 years of the plant’s lifetime

Batteries – Battery backups can last as long as 10 years with careful maintenance, but 3-5 years is a more typical lifespan

Examples of component failure

While solar PV plants have no moving parts, the components of a plant can fail and require replacement due to several factors. A few examples are given here

Modules – Leakage of current into the frame of the module, resulting in 20-50% reduction in power output

Inverters – Capacitor failure due to ageing of electrolytic materials

Junction boxes – Improper fixing on panel causes the box to fall off the panel, creating a fire hazard

Failures not covered by warranty

Not all component failures are covered by warranties. These are typically due to poor design of the rooftop solar plant. Examples include

Modules – Shadows falling on the panels causes them to burn out (more details here)

Connectors – Overheating caused by poor fastening

Wiring – Squirrel or bird damage

Takeaways

Solar modules come with 5-year warranty against manufacturing defects as well as performance warranty of 90% of rated power output for 10 years and for 80% of rated power output up to 25 years

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